And there is also a recall for Cardiff Blues back-row forward Andy Powell , who was kicked out of Wales’ RBS 6 Nations squad earlier this season.

Gatland, meanwhile, had already confirmed the absence of four players from next month’s fixtures, with scrum-half Dwayne Peel and flanker Martyn Williams both being rested, while centre James Hook requires shoulder surgery and lock Luke Charteris has been troubled by a neck problem.

After tackling the Springboks, Wales face the All Blacks in Dunedin on June 19 and then Hamilton seven days later.

Elsewhere, Cardiff Blues prop John Yapp returns to the squad following injury, while 18-year-old Ospreys wing Tom Prydie, who became Wales’ youngest international when he made his debut against Italy in March, also features.

“I am a great believer in ‘if you are good enough you are old enough,’ and that applies to the likes of both Tom and Tavis Knoyle,” said Gatland. “We have gone very much for continuity of selection and kept the squad small, but there are also a couple of youngsters in there who we are going to stick by.

“Tom will gain experience from being with us – Shane Williams and even Lee Byrne aren’t going to be around forever – and he is someone who can cover those positions and who we are excited about.”